Bored With Cardio? Try This Fusion Workout DVD

You may know Core Fusion from oft-buzzed-about workout classes at Exhale spas across the country. The toning and yoga classes -- created by husband and wife team Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred Devito -- combine principles from Pilates, The Lotte Berk Method, Qi Gong, classic and fitness to elevate devotees to their leanest and meanest (okay, maybe kindest) selves.

The fit couple just launched a brand new Core Fusion Cardio-Pure Intensity DVD ($16.99) that launches today. I test drove it and here's what I learned:

Full disclosure, I have a special affection for Core Fusion because their
Body Sculpt DVD has been in regular rotation for me for probably over a
year. And that’s a major feat, considering how difficult it can be for
me to motivate. The 10-minute upper body workout has done wonders for shaping my arms and I love that you can take a DVD on the road.

**Hi, Bari here–sorry for hijacking your post Nora! I was able to take the Core Fusion Cardio class this week at an Exhale in New York City and just had to share my experience! Being an intense-workout lover I thought I had this class in the bag; I wanted to see what they could bring. The class seamlessly integrated yoga sun salutations with boot camp style exercises like squats and mountain climbers (we did lots of mountain climbers) and even a little boxing moves with weights. My arms and abs were sore the next day–needless to say, they brought it. Now back to Nora!**

While this new workout may seem like a departure for Halfpapp and Devito because of its emphasis on cardio, in fact many of the exercises included will be recognizable to Core Fusion-lovers and even just yoga/Pilates fans. They’ve just amped things up a bit.

Moving with the breath is still key to these workouts, as is an emphasis on core strengthening and the mind/body connection. “This is really our “fat burning” DVD — cardio with low intensity, long duration exercises,” says Halfpapp. “At the same time, you’re sculpting, balancing and strengthening the body because we’re not just doing front-to-back movement, which can tighten hamstrings, but also side-to-side.”

The DVD targets various levels, as you have the option to add more intensity by adding light weights throughout — not exceeding 4lbs. This and their new Core Fusion Boot Camp DVD are culled from moves from their nationwide classes.

When checking out the DVD, the first thing I learn is that you can go through Cardio Pure Intensity by individual 10-minute workout or play the video all the way through, which means you can do just a segment or even pause between sessions and make it into an interval workout.

Chapters include Energy Moves, Cardio Flow, Power Flow, Power Sweat and Cardio Cure — as well as a Bonus: Stretch at the end. Up tempo music plays, as we see Halfpapp, Devito and their cohorts — including one woman who demonstrates simpler modified versions of all moves throughout — poised on the usual yoga mats.

It quickly becomes clear that, while there’s more flow to this workout, it’s still in part about holding postures and making repetitive movements. “We athleticise yoga — Vinyasa flow and sun salutations,” describes Halfpapp. “This is about calorie burning and
intense strength and flexibility moves. And we still work the abdominal
muscles in a bracing, stabilizing way.”

This plank move — which is repeated several times with increasing speed and repetitions during Cardio Flow — is a perfect example of how Core Fusion’s original tenets get applied to cardio:

Step 1: Step back into a high plank.

Step 2: At a rapid pace, bring one knee to your chest, then step back into plank, and begin alternating for 2 to 4 counts of 8.